Expert: William Forster - 10/6/2008

Question
I just sprayed clear coat on my 67 mustang. The shop was cleaned but too vented on a windy day. I got misc trash in my clear coat. Can I buff it out or is there a better way?? What steps do I take??

Answer
If you can physically see colored pieced of debris in the clear, no amount of buffing will remove it. If you can see dirt nibs in the clear, and they don't really show obnoxious trash through the clear coat, they can be sanded out and buffed. You can hand sand wet with 1500, then follow up with 2000. Use a little soap in the water to provide a bit of lubricant for the paper, leave the paper soak in the bucket for at least an hour before sanding. Power buffing is something that only really experience can teach- I recommend you use foam buffing pads as opposed to wool bonnets. They leave less swirl marks. Go to your local paint jobber, and see what they recommend for rubbing compounds for the clear you sprayed. I could suggest some things, but there is no guarantee that they sell the products I use in your area. Buff 2 foot by 2 foot areas, don't linger, don't let it get too hot, overlap your strokes like you are spraying paint. Bill